The results showed that for the rs6591190 locus of the AP5B1 gene, in the co-dominant genetic model, the heterozygous GC genotype had a higher risk of DKD compared to the homozygous CC genotype (OR = 3.45, 95% CI: 1.07-10.43, P = 0.008), and the variant GG genotype had a higher risk of DKD compared to the homozygous CC genotype (OR = 3.67, 95% CI: 1.05-11.87, P = 0.008). This evidence concerns the gene AP5B1 and diabetic kidney disease.